Rarely do I enter the kitchen with the intention of making something that the rest of the world will find edible. I’m just not about that life. Until today when I was pushing the buttons on my food processor and something edible just kind of happened.

Even my mom, who likes things like Kool-aid, Cheetos, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups thought that these were “wicked good.”

Meet my newest creation- delicious energy bar bites (basically faux-larabars) that are packed full with all-natural ingredients that are sure to power you through whatever you have next on your training agenda…

Did I mention how delicious they are?

And that they’re super easy to make?

And cheaper than pre-packaged bars?

And that I have three different flavors for you -Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Coconut?

Dang, I’m good.

Almond Butter Bites Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, Vegan

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of pitted dates – loosely packed – soaked in water for 20 minutes if you find they’re a little tough

1/2 cup raw almonds

2-3 heaping tablespoons almond butter

Directions:

Pulse dates and almonds in food processor until crumbly and a little sticky

Add in almond butter and pulse again until mixed throughout

Scoop into tablespoon sized bites (makes 16) or press into bars

Let sit in fridge for a few minutes if you’d like them to firm a little

Peanut Butter Energy Bar Bites

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of pitted dates – loosely packed

1/4 cup raw almonds

1/4 cup peanuts

2-3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter (i used chunky pb)

salt to taste

Directions:

Pulse dates, almonds, and peanuts in food processor until crumbly and a little sticky

Add in peanut butter and pulse again until well mixed

Add in salt, to taste if you so desire

Scoop into tablespoon sized bites (makes 16) or press into bars

Let sit in fridge for a few minutes if you’d like them to firm a little

Core workouts are probably my favorite. They’re one of the most important, too. A strong core is essential is having good posture and a healthy back and definitely comes in handy in nearly every sport imaginable.

When I run, I use my core to have good form; when I’m on my bike, I stabilize myself with my core; when I am doing shoulder presses, I squeeze my core so that my back doesn’t arch; when I…

you get the idea.

So here are 3 new Core workouts that you can either add to the end of another workout, or combine together to have a full “core day.”

Have you tried yesterdays Almond Butter Recipe yet? Whether or not your almond butter is homemade, there’s a huge variety of ways to put it to use so you can reap the benefits of almonds all throughout your day. Here’s a few of my favorite classics, and a few innovative recipes from other bloggers.